Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera | Photo via Facebook
MANILA — A Filipina caregiver in Israel, Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, was killed while attempting to bring her elderly ward to safety during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, marking the first confirmed Filipino casualty in the escalating Middle East conflict. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced her death in a recorded message on Sunday night, describing her final moments as “selfless” and “heroic.”
De Vera, 32, a native of Basista, Pangasinan, had been working in Israel since 2019, according to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv. She was helping her patient reach a bomb shelter when the missile struck. “She was a caregiver in Israel who was helping her alaga get to the bomb shelter, but they were unable to reach it in time,” Marcos said. “She died after being hit by shrapnel from falling bombs.”
Her husband, also an OFW in Israel, positively identified her remains at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute through biometric confirmation. Embassy officials said they immediately reached out to him to convey condolences and to assure him of full government assistance.
A Final Act of Protection
According to Israeli emergency services and Philippine officials, De Vera was inside her employer’s apartment when sirens sounded across Tel Aviv on the evening of February 28. As missiles approached the city, she attempted to move her elderly patient to a designated shelter. They never made it. A projectile struck the building, sending shrapnel through the structure and fatally injuring her.
The Israeli Embassy in Manila described her actions as “selfless,” saying she embodied the resilience and compassion long associated with Filipino caregivers. “Israel joins the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community,” the embassy said in a statement.
Her employer, who survived the attack, told local responders that De Vera “shielded and guided” her in the final seconds before the explosion.
Family in Grief, Community in Mourning
De Vera’s family in Pangasinan learned of her death through her husband, who had rushed to the forensic institute after being notified by authorities. Relatives described her as a devoted daughter and a hardworking mother who had taken the caregiving job in Israel to support her family back home.
Her husband, who works in a nearby Israeli city, is now coordinating with the Philippine Embassy for the repatriation of her remains. Ambassador Aileen Mendiola personally called him to assure that “all assistance needed by the family will be provided.”
President Marcos echoed this commitment, saying, “Lahat po ng tulong na kakailanganin ng kanilang pamilya ay ihahatid ng ating pamahalaan.” He added that the government continues to monitor the safety of Filipinos in the region amid escalating tensions.
A Life of Service Cut Short
De Vera had spent seven years working abroad, the last five in Israel, where she was known among fellow OFWs for her kindness and dedication. Friends said she often volunteered to accompany new caregivers as they adjusted to life in Tel Aviv.
Her death comes as the United States and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran, prompting retaliatory missile strikes across the region. The Philippine government has urged Filipinos in Israel to remain vigilant and follow embassy advisories.
